Influencer Keeley Whitcomb shared heartbreaking news on TikTok on September 16, announcing the deaths of her two children, Ryder, 7, and Laynee Rae, 10. The siblings were killed in a two-vehicle collision in Hastings, Nebraska, on September 15, where they were pronounced dead at the scene. Keeley’s husband, Blake Whitcomb, was hospitalized following the crash.
In her post, Keeley wrote: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life. An accident has taken my two children from me and put my husband in the intensive care unit. Consider me out of the Disney office.”
Details of the Hastings Crash
Local news outlets NTV News and KLKN-TV reported that the Adams County Sheriff’s Department responded to a collision at an uncontrolled rural intersection. The crash involved a pickup truck driven by Blake Whitcomb and a farm silage truck operated by Dale Feik, 66. Both drivers were treated at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital.
Tragically, Ryder and Laynee Rae, who were passengers in the pickup truck, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Blake & Keeley Whitcomb of Hastings NE Grieve Loss of Two Children in Tragic Car Accident; Community Rallies Around Justin McCurdy and Caitlin Nicole. The city of Hastings, Nebraska, is enveloped in a state of collective heartbreak… https://t.co/kB1Xf7YQkp pic.twitter.com/Irp0JuuwEJ
— Brain Wave (@BrainWavenow) September 17, 2025
Keeley Whitcomb Honors Her Children
In the days following the accident, Keeley posted emotional tributes to her children on TikTok. About her daughter, Laynee Rae, she wrote: “10 years was not long enough for me. Forever on my mind, my Laynee Rae. 9/15/2025.”
For her stepson, Ryder, she shared: “Once upon a time, I met a boy. I fell in love with him the moment I met him. Though I didn’t know him all his life, I got to know him 3 years. Being a step-parent is a whole different kind of love. 9/15/2025.”
Family members also expressed their grief. Ryder’s grandmother, Cheryl Gardner, posted on Facebook: “Yesterday, Heaven got a new angel. Fly high Ryder and thank you for blessing me, if only for a short time. God has bigger plans for you, my little buddy.”
Keeley Whitcomb Steps Away From Work
Keeley, known for her Disney-themed content and role at Dreams Travel Consulting, announced she would step away from work to grieve. Fans and followers have offered condolences, highlighting the outpouring of support for the family during this devastating time.
